Andy Flower steps down as coach of England Test cricket team

Andy Flower has stepped down as coach of the English cricket team in the wake of the squad's recent Ashes thrashing against Australia.

Andy Flower factbox

Appointed as head coach April 15, 2009.

England Test record: W: 30, D: 15, L: 16

England ODI record: W: 54, D/NR: 11, L: 46

England T20 record: W: 25, D/NR: 5, L: 20

Coaching highlights:

Won the 2009 Ashes series 2-1.Won the 2010 World Twenty20.Won the 2010/11 Ashes series 3-1.England ranked No.1 Test team August 13, 2011Won the 2013 Ashes series 3-0.

After the 5-0 Test series whitewash in Australia, the 45-year-old Zimbabwean had said he wanted to stay on as coach but after a meeting at Lord's, he issued a statement confirming his resignation.

"Following the recent very disappointing Ashes defeat, it is clear to me that this is now time for England cricket, led by (captain) Alastair Cook, to rebuild with a new set of values and goals," Flower said in a statement on the ECB website.

"This has been a very difficult decision to make and I remain committed to England cricket and would like to wish Alastair Cook and (England Cricket managing director) Paul Downton every success.

"I will remain in my position as a selector for the time being and am currently exploring possible roles within the ECB. The priority must now be to establish the direction and personnel needed to ensure England cricket moves forward."

Despite the crushing defeat in Australia, Flower was one of the most successful England coaches, taking the team to world number one with three Ashes series wins, and a world Twenty20 title behind him.